Nouakchott Challenge

The Nouakchott Challenge leaves the UK on 26 Dec 2019 and heads South through Morocco, Western Sahara, and into Mauritania. The route travels mostly on tarmac roads, but the highlight is the two-day crossing of the Sahara Desert. The journey is approximately 3000 miles, and can comfortably be covered in 2 weeks (if all goes well). Those in a hurry have completed it in less, but that is missing the point, really. This is NOT a race. There is so much of interest en-route that it makes no sense to rush your travels. The entry fee per car is £399.

The Challenge really starts in Southern Spain, where hotel accommodation is provided. The Road Book provides the clues as the Participants bond over a beer (or two) in the hotel bar, and form into travelling groups for the journey South. Ahead lies Sand, Sea and... even more sand. Experience the heat of the desert sun, and the challenge of nursing a knackered car all the way to destinations that most people would only consider flying to.

This Challenge is only open to all cars: RHD & Left-Hand Drive vehicles. The route can be completed by almost any vehicle, and there is no distinct advantage to having 4×4 drive (except when others are stuck in the sand!). It is a condition of entry that All vehicles MUST be donated to the Control Committee in Mauritania. The vehicles are auctioned and the funds raised are distributed to local worthy causes. This is the only legitimate way to ensure that the best price is obtained and that the funds are distributed appropriately. Nasty things do happen to those who might flout this requirement, because it is illegal to sell your vehicle privately.

There are security concerns in Mauritania but these have eased of late and tourists are returning in greater numbers. We aim to provide help through Mauritania with our man on the ground who will help with everything from car insurance to taking your car for passing on to good causes.

The fee is £399, per car, and the date is 26 December 2019. Applications are now open. Please note that if you can afford 3 weeks then the Mali or Gambia options are preferable, but this route is for the time challenged. Thus at Nouakchott, other teams press on while you can relax at places such as the oasis and palm groves of Terjit.